THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

309-Smokey Robinson-Just My Soul Responding.

1974-Number 35 single.

Best Bit-At 1.50. When Smokey sings, it’s as easy as ABC.

William Robinson Jr. (see also best songs 1031 and 193) was born on February 19th, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, United States. He has explained how his nickname ‘Smokey’ came about. ‘My Uncle Claude was my favourite uncle, he was also my godfather. He and I were really, really close. He used to take me to see cowboy movies all the time when I was a little boy because I loved cowboy movies. He got a cowboy name for me, which was Smokey Joe. So from the time I was three years old if people asked me what my name was I didn’t tell them my name was William, I told them my name was Smokey Joe. That’s what everyone called me until I was about 12, and then I dropped the Joe part. I’ve heard that story about him giving it to me because I’m a light skinned black man, but that’s not true.’ In 1972 Smokey Robinson quit ‘The Miracles’ (see also best songs 193) the band he had co-founded in 1955, retiring from music, to spend more time with his family, but still working in his role as vice president of ‘Motown Records.’ After a year of retirement from making music Robinson announced his comeback as a solo artist with the release of his 1973 Album ‘Smokey.’ The awards and accolades bestowed on Smokey Robinson include an individual star on ‘The Hollywood Walk of Fame,’ in 1983, and then in 1987, he was inducted to the ‘Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,’ and in 1989, he was inducted to the ‘Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.’

The solo discography of Smokey Robinson includes 24 studio Albums released between 1973-2023, and 58 singles released between 1973-2011. In America on the ‘Billboard 200’ Album chart, seven of his Albums have reached the top 40, with his ninth Album ‘Being with You,’ peaking the highest at Number 10 in 1981. On the ‘Billboard Hot 100,’ 10 of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Being with You’ charting the highest at Number 2, in America ‘Just My Soul Responding’ was never issued as a single. In the UK, Smokey Robinson has had three top 40 hit singles as a solo artist, with ‘Just My Soul Responding,’ (1974-Number 35) ‘Being with You,’ (1981-Number 1) and ‘Indestructible,’ by the Four Tops featuring Smokey Robinson (1989-Number 30.)

‘Just My Soul Responding’ was the last of three singles released from ‘Smokey,’ the debut solo studio Album from Smokey Robinson, from June 1973, the song was co-written by Smokey Robinson, and Marvin Tarplin, with the production being by Robinson, and Willie Hutch. Marvin Tarplin (known professionally as Marv Tarplin) was born on June 13th, 1941, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, he died on September 30th, 2011, of undetermined causes, at the age of 70. Marv Tarplin along with Smokey Robinson was one of the original members of the Miracles, with whom he played guitar, and co-wrote many of their biggest hits including ‘The Tracks of My Tears’ (see also best songs 193.) Other well known ‘Motown songs co-written by Marv Tarplin include, ‘Ain’t That Peculiar,’ for Marvin Gaye, (1965-Billboard Number 8) ‘Going to a Go-Go,’ for the Miracles,’ (1965-Billboard Number 11 & UK Number 44) and ‘Cruisin,” for Smokey Robinson (1979-Billboard Number 4.) Tarplin and Smokey Robinson had first met in 1958 when Tarplin accompanied the Supremes (then known as the Primettes) (see also best songs 1001-411-212 and 148) to audition for ‘Motown Records,’ Robinson was impressed by Tarplin’s guitar playing, and lured him away from the Primettes to join the Miracles. On February 9th, 2012, five months after his death, it was announced that Marv Tarplin would be posthumously inducted with the rest of the Miracles into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,’ alongside the groups lead singer Smokey Robinson, who had been inducted 25 years earlier.

‘Just My Soul Responding’ and it’s parent Album ‘Smokey’ were produced and arranged by Willie Hutch, who was born William McKinley Hutchinson on December 6th, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, United States, he died on September 19th, 2005, at the age of 60, no cause was given when he died. Willie Hutch came to the attention of Motown producer Hal Davis (1933-1998) (see also best songs 519-183 and 97) after releasing his first two studio Albums in 1969, and 1970, Davis asked Hutch to write lyrics to ‘I’ll Be There,’ (1970-Billboard Number 1 & UK Number 4) a song Davis had co-written for The Jackson 5. After that success Motown founder Berry Gordy signed him to be a staff writer, arranger, producer, and musician for the label. Willie Hutch released 17 solo studio Albums between 1969-2002, two of which were soundtrack Albums for Blaxploitation films, and 33 singles between 1965-1991, with his most commercially successful single being ‘Love Power,’ which peaked at Number 41 on Billboard in 1975.

‘Just My Soul Responding’ is a protest song dealing with the hardships of ghetto life in America, it also addresses the plight of the Native American Indian.

‘This land once belonged to my father, and to his father before him too. Let me tell you now, I’m on a reservation, living in a state of degradation. What’s a soul suppose to do?

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

310-Al Jolson-After You’ve Gone.

1949-It has never charted in the UK, there was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 2.08. Before Elvis, (see also best songs 954-664-442-and 194) and before the Rock N’ Roll era, this man was known as ‘The World’s Greatest Entertainer.’

Al Jolson was born Asa Yoelson (Yiddish: אַסאַ יואלסאָן;) on May 26th, 1886, in Seredzus, Kovno Governorate, Russian Empire, which is now known as Seredžius, near Kaunas, in Lithuania, he died of a massive heart attack on October 23rd, 1950, at the age of 64, his last words were ‘Oh…oh, I’m going.’ Al Jolson was the highest paid artist of the 1920’s, with more recent critics referring to him as ‘The King of Blackface.’ Blackface is a form of theatrical makeup used by performers of non-African descent to portray a caricature of a dark skinned person of African descent. In America the practice gained popularity during the 19th Century, and contributed to the spread of racial stereotypes. By the middle of the 19th Century ‘blackface minstrel shows’ had become very popular, and by the early part of the 20th Century this had spread to the stage all over America, becoming part of everyday entertainment. In the 1940’s it’s popularity began to decline, and by the time of the ‘Civil Rights Movement’ in the 1950’s and 1960’s, it was considered highly offensive, and disrespectful, and by the 21st Century it is considered racist as well.

As well as being a recording artist, and a performer in the theatre, Al Jolson also performed for the United States troops during World War II, and then later during the Korean War. Al Jolson was an actor and singer in the movies. His second film appearance was in 1927 in the groundbreaking ‘The Jazz Singer,’ the first feature length motion picture with both a synchronised recorded music score, as well as lip-synchronous singing and speech. The release of ‘The Jazz Singer’ marked the end of the silent movie era, and the ascendance of ‘sound films.’ Al Jolson certainly left his mark on future generations of performers, with many as diverse as Rod Stewart, Neil Diamond, David Lee Roth, Bing Crosby, (1903-1977) and Jerry Lee Lewis, (1935-1922) having all been quoted praising his talents, and his significant influence.

‘After You’ve Gone’ was originally written in 1918 by Turner Layton, (1894-1978) (music) and Henry Creamer, (1879-1930) (lyrics) with the first recording of the song being by the American singer Marion Harris (1897-1944) in 1918, Harris is best remembered as the first widely known white singer to sing Jazz, and Blues songs ‘After You’ve Gone’ has been recorded by many of the worlds top artists down the decades and into the 21st Century, with notable early recordings being by Bessie Smith, (1894-1937) and Sophie Tucker (1886-1966) in 1927, and Louis Armstrong, (1901-1971) and Bing Crosby (1903-1977) in 1929. More recent versions can be found by Phil Collins in 1996, and Jamie Cullum in 2007. At one time ‘After You’ve Gone’ became so popular that the sheet music was decorated with tiny photographs of 45 of the male vocalists who had made the song famous, including Paul Whiteman, (1890-1967) Rudy Vallée, (1901-1986) and Guy Lombardo (1902-1977.)

Turner Layton who wrote the music for ‘After You’ve Gone’ was born John Turner Layton, Jr. on July 2nd, 1894, in Washington, D.C., United States, he died in London, England, on February 6th, 1978, at the age of 83. His daughter A’Lelia Shirley inherited his musical estate and left the copyright and royalties to her father’s music to ‘Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children’ in London in her will, on her death, in January 2001. Turner Layton is best remembered for his many compositions with Henry Creamer, including ‘Way Down Yonder in New Orleans,’ a song they wrote in 1922, which would become a million seller in the ‘Rock N’ Roll’ era when recorded by Freddie Cannon in 1959. Creamer and Layton contributed music and lyrics to many Broadway shows, including the ‘Ziegfeld Follies’ of 1917, 1921 and 1922, ‘Three Showers,’ (1920) ‘Some Party,’ (1922) and Creamer’s own ‘Strut Miss Lizzie’ (1922.) Henry Creamer was born Henry Sterling Creamer on June 21st, 1879, in Richmond, Virginia, United States, he died on October 14th, 1930, at the age of 51.

‘After You’ve Gone’ was recorded in by Al Jolson in 1949, and is credited on the record to ‘Al Jolson with Four Hits and a Miss and Matty Malneck and his Orchestra.’ ‘Four Hits and a Miss’ who were also at times known as ‘Six Hits and a Miss,’and ‘Three Hits and a Miss,’ depending on how many group members there were at the time, consisted of male singers and one female, thus the word ‘miss’ in their name having a double meaning. The group was formed in Los Angeles, California, United States, in 1936 as a ‘Swing’ era singing group foursome, and they recorded as back up singers for artists including Judy Garland, (1922-1969) and Jimmy Durante (1893-1980.) In total there were 12 different members at varying times, including for a short while Andy Williams, (1927-2012) (see also best songs 914 and 112.) Matty Malneck was born Matthew Michael Malneck, on December 9th, 1903, in Newark, New Jersey, United States, he died on February 25th, 1981, at the age of 77. As well as being an orchestra leader Matty Malneck was also a songwriter, with his best known composition being ‘Goody Goody,’ (1936) with lyrics by Johnny Mercer (1909-1976.)

‘After You’ve Gone’ is a warning from a lover spurned. He tells her that if she goes he will be heartbroken, and although she doesn’t realise it yet, in time her heart will also be broken because of what she is doing, the way his is now.

‘There’ll come a time, now don’t forget it, they’ll come a time, when you’ll regret it. But baby think what your doin,’ I’m gonna haunt you so, I’m gonna taunt you so, it’s gonna drive you to ruin.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

311-Sean Paul-Get Busy.

2003-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 0.01. This guy has more words than the Oxford Dictionary of English.

Sean Paul was born Ryan Francis Henriques on January 9th, 1973, in Kingston, Jamaica, he is Jamaica’s most successful musical export of the 21st Century, and this was recognised in 2019 when he received the Jamaican ‘Order of Distinction’, (OD) Commander class, for his contribution to the global popularity and promotion of Reggae music. Sean Paul’s major breakthrough occurred after having been recommended to the manager and music producer Jeremy Harding, having been seen singing at an open mic night in Kingston. Harding took Sean Paul under his wing, which led to an association between the two of them from 1997-2011. In 2011, Sean Paul established his own record label called ‘Dutty Rock Productions,’ and in 2016, he donated $1 million JMD toward the ‘Bustamante Hospital for Children.’ During the COVID-19 pandemic, he founded the ‘Sean Paul Foundation’ in 2020, aiding less fortunate communities in Jamaica, with donations of groceries to poor families, and distribution of tablet computers to primary schools for students.

The discography of Sean Paul includes eight studio Albums released between 2000-2022, and 115 singles released between 2000-2025, there is also one extended play, (EP) one mixtape, two official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. In the UK, as the lead artist, 17 of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘We Be Burnin,” (2005) and ‘She Doesn’t Mind,’ (2011) both peaking the highest at Number 2, while as a featured artist he has had 12 top 40 entries, with four of those tracks all making the Number 1 position. In America on Billboard, four of Sean Paul’s Albums have reached Number 1 on the ‘Billboard Reggae Album’ chart, while as the lead artist, seven of his singles have reached the Billboard Hot 100 top 40, with ‘Get Busy,’ (2003) and ‘Temperature,’ (2005) both making the Number 1 position. As a featured artist he has had a further seven top 40 hits, with two of those tracks making the Number 1 position.

‘Get Busy’ was the second of four singles released from ‘Dutty Rock,’ (West Indian patois for ‘dirty rock’) from November 2002, the song was co-written by Sean Paul, and Steven Marsden, with the production also being by Marsden. The Album ‘Dutty Rock’ has been credited with the mainstream breakthrough of the musical genre of ‘Dancehall’ music to a worldwide audience, and ‘Get Busy’ was the first single of that genre to reach Number 1 on Billboard in America. Steven Marsden who is also known as ‘Lenky,’ is a Jamaican-born music producer and musician, who specialises primarily in Dancehall Reggae music. Steven Marsden is best known for his 2002 Album ‘Greensleeves Rhythm Album #27: Diwali,’ which is also known as the ‘Diwali Riddim.’ The ‘riddim’ (music) is the same one used to various degrees on all of the tracks on the Album, which includes ‘Get Busy,’ and other well known songs including ‘Never Leave You’ (slightly altered from the original riddim) by Lumidee, (2003-Billboard Number 3 & UK Number 2) and ‘No Letting Go’ by Wayne Wonder (2003-Billboard Number 11 & UK Number 3.)

‘Dancehall’ is a genre of Jamaican popular music that originated in the late 1970’s. Initially, Dancehall was a more sparse version of ‘Reggae’ than the roots style which had dominated much of the 1970’s. It wasn’t until the 1980’s when the style was officially named, when the two words ‘Dance,’ and ‘Hall,’ (where the music was mainly played) were joined to make one word ‘DanceHall.’ Dancehall saw initial mainstream success in Jamaica in the 1980’s, and by the 1990’s it had become increasingly popular in Jamaican diaspora communities. In the 2000’s, Dancehall experienced worldwide mainstream success, and by the 2010’s, it had begun to heavily influence the work of established Western artists and producers, which helped to further bring the genre into the Western music mainstream. Three of the major elements of Jamaican Dancehall music are the use of digital instruments, particularly the ‘Casio Casiotone MT-40’ electronic keyboard, the ‘Oberheim DX drum machine,’ and the use of riddims, instrumentals, to which lyrics are added.

The lyrics to ‘Get Busy’ don’t appear to break any new ground. Basically Sean Paul get the ladies excited with his riddim, and the ladies get Sean Paul excited with their dance moves. Sean Paul has described ‘Get Busy’ as ‘Mainly a party song. It’s not all about smoking weed.’ He has also said that before he entered the studio to record this song, his girlfriend (later his wife) Jodi and her friend Cana asked him to mention them. ‘I went in there, did the song, and I was trying to find an intro, and usually in Jamaica, we kind of talk an intro out and introduce the song. Well, this time I just decided to sing. I was like ‘I’m going to put their name in it and freak them out.’ I did do it and to this day they’re still good friends.’

Yo sexy ladies want par wid us inna di car wid us. Inna di club dem wah flex wid us, to get next to us.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

312-Cameo-Word Up!

1986-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 1.14. When Larry Blackmon sang about ‘Sucker DJ’s’ he was actually referring to the ‘Old School Rappers’ of the early 1980’s, who would Rap about the negative rather than the positive, thankfully he wasn’t singing about you (if you’re a DJ) or me.

Cameo were formed in New York City, United States, in 1974, by Larry Blackmon, the original line up consisted of 14 members. Initially they were called ‘The New York City Players,’ but in order to avoid any confusion, and also because of a threat of legal action, with the ‘Ohio Players,’ (see also best songs 506) record label ‘Mercury,’ they changed the bands name to Cameo. The name Cameo was derived from a brand of cigarettes sold in Canada, that the band had seen during a visit to that country. They were active until 2001, but reformed as a four piece in 2016, and remain active at the time of writing, in total there have been 38 different members come and go. Cameo started out as a ‘Funk’ band, taking some of their influence from their contemporaries ‘Parliament-Funkadelic,’ (see also best songs 612-340-143 and 26) but by the 1980’s they had expanded their sound, with influences from Pop, Hip-Hop, Rock and Reggae, and placed more emphasis on keyboards and drum machines.

The discography of Cameo includes 17 studio Albums released between 1977-2000, and 44 singles released between 1975-2019, there are also 15 official compilation Albums, and six live Albums available. In America on Billboard, four of their studio Albums have reached the ‘Billboard 200’ Album chart, with their 12th studio Album ‘Word Up!’ from 1986 peaking the highest at Number 8. Cameo have had four of their singles reach the Billboard Hot 100 top 40, with ‘Loverboy,’ by Mariah Carey (see also best songs 822) featuring Cameo, peaking the highest at Number 2 in 2001, while ‘Word Up!,’ made Number 6. ‘Loverboy’ samples the Cameo track ‘Candy,’ (1986-Billboard Number 21 & UK Number 27.) In the UK, Cameo have had eight top 40 singles, with ‘Word Up!’ peaking the highest at Number 3.

Larry Blackmon was born Larry Ernest Blackmon, on May 29th, 1956, in New York City, United States. He started his music career as a session drummer, playing on some of the tracks recorded by the American R&B group ‘Black Ivory,’ whose songs have been extensively sampled by the Hip-Hop community. Prior to forming Cameo, Larry Blackmon was a member of a band called ‘East Coast’ which included six future members of Cameo, as well as the singer Gwen Guthrie (1950-1999) who would go on to have four UK top 40 singles in the 1980’s, including the 1986 Number 5 single ‘Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ on But the Rent,’ as ‘East Coast’ the septet released one self titled Album in 1973. Larry Blackmon is known for his unique vocal style, including his signature ‘Ow!’ which has been used in many Cameo songs. He is also known for his elaborate ‘Hi-top fade’ haircut, and a daring ‘Codpiece’ over his trousers, which was made famous in this songs official video.

‘Word Up!’ was the first of four singles released from Cameo’s 12th studio Album of the same name, from September 1986, the song was co-written by the groups members Larry Blackmon, and Tomi Jenkins, with the production being by Blackmon. The release of ‘Word Up!’ represented the group’s most successful period, as the Album also contained the bands other best known song ‘Candy.’ ‘Word Up’ was a slang term used in 1980’s New York, and other U.S. areas, it was a cooler way of saying ‘I agree,’ or ‘You bet.’ Larry Blackmon developed a character around the saying, and wrote lyrics about what he would say. Blackmon called the character ‘Vicious,’ and had him tell all the ‘negative’ Rappers that they should be creating music you can dance to. Larry Blackmon has said, ‘It just sounded good, and it was before its time. You can play ‘Word Up’ anyplace anywhere, and someone is going to be grooving and bobbing their head. Our sound was unique, as well. I haven’t heard another one like it, and we probably won’t hear another one like it in the future. It was that significant for us.’

‘Word Up’ has charted as a cover version on three occasions in the UK. In 1994 the Scottish Rock group ‘Gun’ took their recording to Number 8, while in 1999 ex Spice Girl Mel B, using the name ‘Melanie G,’ took her recording, which was produced by Timbaland, and featured on the Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me: Music from the Motion Picture’ soundtrack, to Number 13, and in 2014 the girl group ‘Little Mix’ recorded the song for ‘Sport Relief,’ and their version made Number 6. Other significant cover versions are by the American ‘Nu Metal’ band ‘Korn’ in 2004, whose musical arrangements are similar to that of the cover version by Gun, and the 2007 ‘mashup’ by ‘Jan Delay’ of the music from ‘Word Up!’ with the lyrics of ‘Das Bo’s “Türlich, Türlich (Sicher, Dicker.’) The new song was titled ‘Türlich Türlich (Word Up’) and was a hit in German speaking countries, peaking at Number 31 in Germany on the ‘GfK Entertainment’ charts.

‘Now all you sucker DJ’s who think you’re fly, there’s got to be a reason and we know the reason why, and act real cool, but you got to realise that your acting like fools.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

313-Moody Blues-Nights in White Satin.

1967-Number 19 single. The song was re-issued in 1972, this time peaking at Number 9. The song was re-released for a third time in 1979, and this time reached Number 14.

Best Bit-At 3.56. Like many a great song the lyrics are vague and open to interpretation, but it is probably not about a very comfortable pair of pyjamas.

The Moody Blues were formed in Erdington, Birmingham, England, in 1964, the original line up were Graeme Edge (1941-2021) (drums) Denny Laine, (1944-2023) (guitar) Mike Pinder, (1941-2024) (keyboards) Ray Thomas, (1941-2018) (flute and harmonica) and Clint Warwick, (1940-2004) (bass) all five members also provided vocals. The Moody Blues first found success with the release of their second single ‘Go Now’ in 1964, it was a cover of an ‘R&B’ track first recorded by the American artist Bessie Banks earlier in the same year. The lead vocals were provided by Denny Laine (see also best songs 646 and 107) who would stay with the band until 1966, that year also saw the departure of Clint Warwick, and the arrival of their replacements Justin Hayward, and John Lodge. It was Mike Pinder who chose the bands name, as they played a mixture of ‘R&B’ and the ‘Blues,’ Pinder has said that ‘He was interested in how music changes people’s moods.’ The Moody Blues were active until going on hiatus in 1974, but they reformed in 1977, until the band were retired in 2018, in total their have been nine members, with Graeme Edge being the bands one constant.

The discography of the Moody Blues includes 16 studio Albums released between 1965-2003, and 36 singles released between 1964-2003, there is also one extended play, (EP) 27 official compilation Albums, and eight live Albums available. In the UK, 12 of their studio Albums have made the top 40, with three of those Albums reaching the Number 1 position, while 10 of their singles have made the UK top 40, with ‘Go Now’ peaking the highest at Number 1 in 1964. In America on Billboard, 12 of their Albums have reached the top 40, with two of those making Number 1, while 13 of their singles have reached the Billboard Hot 100 top 40, with the 1972 re-issue of ‘Nights in White Satin’ peaking the highest at Number 2.

‘Nights in White Satin’ was the first of two singles released from ‘Days of Future Passed,’ which was the second studio Album released by the Moody Blues, from November 1967, the song was written by Justin Hayward, with the production being by Tony Clarke, who was born Anthony Ralph Clarke, on August 21st, 1941, in Coventry, England, he died on January 4th, 2010, of emphysema, at the age of 69. Tony Clarke who was affectionately known as ‘the sixth member of the Moody Blues,’ worked on eight of the groups studio Albums between 1967-1978, he also produced the collaboration Album ‘Blue Jays’ (1975) for Justin Hayward, and John Lodge, as well as solo Albums for each of them in 1977.

Justin Hayward was born David Justin Hayward, on October 14th, 1946, in Swindon, Wiltshire, England, in 2018 he was inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ as a member of the Moody Blues, and then was appointed ‘Officer of the Order of the British Empire’ (OBE) in the 2022 ‘Birthday Honours,’ for services to music. In 1966 Justin Hayward replaced Denny Laine in the Moody Blues, and within a few weeks John Lodge replaced Clint Warwick. The Moody Blues had initially found great commercial success with their American ‘R&B’ cover versions, but they had made little money, and their popularity was beginning to fade. The arrival of Justin Hayward and John Lodge marked a significant shift in the type of music the Moody Blues recorded. Hayward in particular changed their sound, by introducing Art/Progressive/Psychedelic, and Symphonic Rock. Their second studio Album, and the first to feature Justin Hayward, ‘Days of Future Passed’ is considered to be a ground breaking recording, and one of the first examples of what would become known as ‘Progressive Rock,’ and one of ‘Rock Music’s’ first ‘concept’ Albums. Away from the Moody Blues Justin Hayward has issued eight studio Albums between 1975-2013, two live Albums, and one official compilation Album. In 1975 the song ‘Blue Guitar’ credited to ‘Justin Hayward and John Lodge’ reached Number 8 on the UK top 40 singles chart, the track featured three unaccredited members of 10cc, (see also best songs 663 and 154) Lol Creme, (slide guitar & vocals) Kevin Godley, (drums, & vocals) and Eric Stuart (guitar & vocals.)

‘Nights in White Satin’ first appeared on the Moody Blues second studio Album ‘Days of Future Passed,’ from 1967. In it’s original form it was the middle segment of three pieces of music. Part one is ‘The Night’ written by Justin Hayward, and Pete Knight, (1917-1985) and part three ‘Late Lament/Resolvement,’ was written by Graeme Edge and Pete Knight. Along with the five members of the Moody Blues, also performing on the track were ‘Peter Knight and the London Festival Orchestra,’ who also provided the orchestral arrangements. Justin Hayward was just 19 years old when he wrote Nights in White Satin, he has said that he got the idea for the song after someone gave him a set of white satin sheets, and he then wrote it in his bed-sit at Bayswater. Haywood has recalled, ‘It was a series of random thoughts and was quite autobiographical. It was a very emotional time as I was at the end of one big love affair and the start of another. A lot of that came out in the song.’ Haywood has also said, ‘These are the things that boys, when they’re in the middle of love affairs, they think about. Every word in that song makes perfect sense to me, but trying to explain it to someone is difficult. I mean, I lived every one of the lines in that song.’

‘Nights in white satin never reaching the end, letters I’ve written never meaning to send. Beauty I’d always missed with these eyes before, just what the truth is I can’t say anymore.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

314-Shania Twain-When.

1998-Number 18 single.

Best Bit-At 0.50. Stand by for some surprises. With sales of over 100 million records Shania Twain is the best selling female Country Music artist of all time. Her Album ‘Come On Over’ which has sold 40 million copies worldwide isn’t just the best selling Country Music Album ever, it is also the best selling Album ever by a Canadian artist, and to top it all off the Album is also the best selling solo studio Album ever by a female artist, that’s why she’s called the ‘Queen of Country Pop.’

Shania Twain was born Eilleen Regina Edwards on August 28th, 1965, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Her parents divorced when she was two years old, and when her mother married again she legally took her step fathers surname. Twain’s step father who was Jerry Twain, was an ‘Ojibwe,’ who are one of the largest tribal populations among Native American peoples, and in the ‘Ojibwe’ language the word ‘Shania’ roughly translates to ‘she’s on the way.’ The family were poor and in order to earn some money she began singing in bars at the age of eight, sometimes working until 1.0.am, she has said, ‘I hated going in to bars and being with drunks, but I loved the music and so I survived.’ In 1993 she sent demo tapes to a few record labels, and was signed by ‘Mercury Nashville Records,’ which was when she changed her name to Shania. Although her self titled debut Album was not a commercial success, it was critically praised, and came to the attention of the music producer Robert ‘Mutt’ Lange, who offered to produce and write songs with her. After many telephone conversations they finally met in Nashville where they became close, and were married six months later, in December 1993, they would remain married until 2010. In 2008 it was announced that they were separating after Lange had an affair with Twain’s best friend, Marie-Anne Thiébaud. In 2010 it was reported that Twain was engaged to Frédéric Thiébaud, Marie-Anne’s former husband, and they were married on January 1, 2011, in Rincón, Puerto Rico.

The discography of Shania Twain includes six studio Albums released between 1993-2023, and 44 singles released between 1993-2024, there is also one box set, three remix Albums, three official compilation Albums, and two live Albums available. In Canada, on the ‘Canadian music charts,’ 13 of her singles have reached the top 40, with ‘I’m Gonna Getcha Good!’ peaking the highest at Number 1 in 2002, while ‘When’ made Number 14. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, 10 of her singles have reached the top 40, with ‘You’re Still the One’ peaking the highest at Number 2 in 1998, in America ‘When’ was never issued as a single. On the American Billboard ‘Hot Country Songs’ chart, 28 of her singles have made the top 40, with seven of those tracks reaching Number 1. In the UK, Shania Twain has had 15 top 40 hits, with ‘That Don’t Impress Me Much,’ (1998) and ‘Man! I Feel Like a Woman!’ (1999) both peaking the highest at Number 3.

‘When’ was the fifth of 12 singles released from ‘Come On Over’ which was the third studio Album from Shania Twain, from November 1997, the song was co-written by Robert John ‘Mutt’ Lange, and Shania Twain, with the production being by Lange. Robert John Lange (see also best songs 632 and 479) was born on November 11th, 1948, in Mufulira, Northern Rhodesia, (now Zambia) Africa, he acquired the nickname ‘Mutt’ at an early age. He began as a producer in 1976, with early success coming when in 1978 he wrote and produced the ‘Ipswich Town’ English Football Club’s FA Cup final single ‘Ipswich Get That Goal.’ Lange has written and produced for dozens of artists, with highlights including producing AC/DC’s 1980 Album ‘Back in Black,’ which is the second best selling Album worldwide of all time, and co-writing and producing ‘(Everything I Do) I Do It For You’ for Bryan Adams, which holds the record for the longest number of consecutive weeks at Number 1 in the UK, which is 16. Robert Lange and Shania Twain were divorced in 2010, and have one son who was born in 2001.

‘When,’ and it’s parent Album ‘Come On Over’ can be filed under ‘Country Pop,’ which is a fusion genre of ‘Country Music’ and ‘Pop Music’ that was developed by musicians of the Country genre out of a desire to reach a larger, mainstream audience. Country Pop music blends genres like Rock, Pop, and Country, and can be traced as far back as the late 1950’s. ‘Country Pop’ first peaked in the 1970’s, with crossover artists such as Glen Campbell, (1936-2017) (see also best songs 846 and 197) Kenny Rogers, (1938-2020) (see also best songs 582) and John Denver (1943-1977) (see also best songs 110) finding mainstream success. The genre has continued to thrive during the 21st Century, and by the mid 2020’s it had taken over as the best selling genre of music in the United States.

‘When’ is a song about a break up. The narrator regrets the parting, and in a humorous manner states things that are impossible to happen as having the same chance as her getting back with her lover.

‘I’d love to wake up smiling full of the joys of spring, and hear on CNN that Elvis lives again, and that John’s back with the Beatles and they’re going out on tour.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

315-Dinah Washington-What a Diff’rence a Day Makes,

1959-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.16. The legendary Quincy Jones (1933-2024) (see also best songs 1022-889-812-703-511-357 and 191) said of Dinah Washington, ‘She had a voice that was like the pipes of life. She could take the melody in her hand, hold it like an egg, crack it open, fry it, put the egg back in the box and back in the refrigerator, and you would’ve still understood every single syllable of every single word she sang.’

Dinah Washington was born Ruth Lee Jones on August 29th, 1924, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States, she died on December 14th, 1963, at the age of 39. An autopsy later carried out, showed a lethal combination of secobarbital and amobarbital prescriptions, for her insomnia and diet, which contributed to her death. Dinah Washington is remembered as the most popular black female vocalist of the 1950’s, and helps to link the bridge between Bessie Smith, (see also best songs 345) Billie Holiday, (see also best songs 624) and Aretha Franklin (see also best songs 644 and 366.) She got her big breakthrough in 1942 when she was spotted by the Jazz artist manager Joe Glazer (1896-1969) performing at the ‘Garrick Bar’ in Chicago, it was on Glazer’s recommendation that she joined Lionel Hampton’s (1908-2002) band. It was either Joe Glazer, or Joe Sherman, who owned the Garrick Bar, who gave Jones her stage name, no one is quite sure.

As a child, Dinah Washington became deeply involved in ‘Gospel Music,’ and then at the age of 15 she won an amateur talent contest at ‘Chicago’s Regal Theatre,’ leading to her performing secular music in clubs by 1941. Primarily a Jazz vocalist, she performed and recorded in a wide variety of styles, including ‘Blues, ‘R&B,’ and ‘Traditional Pop’ music. She was a 1986 inductee of the ‘Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame,’ and was inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ in 1993. The discography of Dinah Washington includes 30 Albums released between 1947-1963, with a further five official compilation Albums being issued since her death. She released 68 singles between 1944-1964, with 47 of them reaching the American ‘Billboard R&B chart,’ and five of those making the Number 1 position, 11 of those tracks also made the Billboard top 40 singles chart, with her 1960 duet with Brook Benton (1931-1988) on ‘Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes’) peaking the highest at Number 5, while ‘What a Diff’rence a Day Makes’ reached Number 8. In the UK her only top 40 charting single is ‘September in the Rain,’ which made Number 36 in 1961. During her short but full life, Dinah Washington was married at least six times, and had suffered insomnia, and weight problems, leading to her dependency on prescription drugs, which eventually caused a fatal heart attack.

‘What a Diff’rence a Day Makes’ was originally written in Spanish by Maria Grever in 1934. The song was called ‘Cuando vyelva a tu lado’ (‘When I Return to Your Side.’) The English lyrics were written by the American songwriter Stanley Adams, with the first English version recording being by Harry Roy & his Orchestra, in late 1934. The first commercially successful version, also released in 1934, was by the ‘Dorsey Brothers,’ with vocals by Bob Crosby. Maria Grever was born on September 14th, 1885, in León, Guanajuato Mexico, she died on December 15th, 1951, after a prolonged illness. Maria Grever became the first female Mexican composer to achieve international acclaim, having written in excess of 1000 songs. Stanley Adams was born on August 14th, 1907, in Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States, he died on January 28th, 1994, from cancer, at the age of 86. Stanley Adams breakthrough success came as the co-writer of ‘Rollin’ Down the River,’ which was written in collaboration with Fats Waller, (1904-1943) (see also best songs 412) the song became a hit after being recorded by Guy Lombardo (1902-1977) in 1930. Stanley Adams was the president of the ‘American Society of Composers,’ ‘Authors and Publishers’ (ASCAP) between 1953 and 1956, and again from 1959 until 1980.

‘What a Diff’rence a Day Made’ was recorded by Dinah Washington in 1959, and was the only single released from her 10th studio Album ‘What a Diff’rence a Day Makes!’ also from 1959. The song won Dinah Washington the ‘Grammy Award’ for ‘Best R&B Performance’ at the 2nd Annual Grammy Awards, held in November 1959. ‘What a Diff’rence a Day Made’ and it’s parent Album were both produced by Clyde Otis, and arranged by Belford Hendricks (1909-1977.) Clyde Otis was born Clyde Lovern Otis on September 11th, 1924, in Prentiss, Mississippi, United States, he died on January 8th, 2008, at the age of 83. Clyde Otis is best remembered for his collaboration with the American singer Brook Benton, and for being one of the first African-American A&R executives at a major record label, (Mercury Records) Otis is credited as the writer or co-writer of around 800 songs, including the Dinah Washington, and Brooke Benton collaborations ‘Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes’) (1959-Billboard Number 5) and ‘A Rockin’ Good Way (To Mess Around and Fall in Love’) (1960-Billboard Number 7.)

What a Diff’rence a Day Makes’ has been covered on countless occasions by many of the worlds top artists, with the most successful in the UK being a ‘Disco’ version recorded by Esther Phillips (1935-1984) in 1975, reaching Number 6, her version also peaked at Number 20 on the American Billboard singles chart. The song has also been a hit for the Mexican/American singer Andy Russell, whose bilingual version of the song in 1944, reached Number 15 on Billboard in America.

‘There’s a rainbow before me, skies above can’t be stormy, since that moment of bliss, that thrilling kiss. It’s heaven when you find romance on your menu, what a difference a day made, and the difference is you.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

316-Roxy Music-Street Life.

1973-Number 9 single.

Best Bit-At 0.24. The bands name was partly an homage to the titles of old cinemas, and dance halls, and partly a pun on the word Rock. Bryan Ferry had named the band ‘Roxy’ originally, but after learning of an American group with the same name he changed it to Roxy Music.

Bryan Ferry CBE (see also best songs 721 and 57) was born on September 26th, 1945, in Washington, County Durham, England, like his contemporary David Bowie, (1947-2016) (see also best songs 807-440-334-302-209-186-118-47-31 and 5) he influenced a generation with both his music, and his appearance. In November 1970 Bryan Ferry formed Roxy Music with Graham Simpson, (1943-2012) (bass guitar) whom he knew from Newcastle Art College. Ferry then advertised for other potential band members, leading to Andy Mackay, (saxophone) and on Mackay’s recommendation, Brian Eno, (see also best songs 766-302-190-118-109 and 57) (synthesizer) joined the group. The line up was completed by Paul Thompson (drums) in 1971, and Phil Manzanera (lead guitar) in 1972, Brian Eno left the group in 1973, and was replaced by Eddie Jobson (keyboards, synthesizers, and electric violin.) Roxy Music were active until 1976, when they then went on hiatus, they reformed in 1978, and stayed together until 1983. The band reformed without Brian Eno to tour on and off between 2000-2011, and their final appearance together was on March 29th, 2019, when they performed six songs at their induction to the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ at the ‘Barclays Center,’ in Brooklyn, New York.

The discography of Roxy Music includes eight studio Albums released between 1972-1982, and 26 singles released between 1972-1996, there are also six box sets, nine official compilation Albums, and six live Albums available. In the UK, all eight of their studio Albums have reached the top 10, with three of those Albums making the Number 1 position, while 18 of their singles have reached the UK top 40, with their 1981 cover version of John Lennon’s (1940-1980) 1971 song ‘Jealous Guy’ peaking the highest at Number 1. In America on Billboard, three of their studio Albums have reached the ‘200 Album’ chart top 40, with their sixth studio Album ‘Manifesto,’ peaking the highest at Number 23 in 1979, while their only entry on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart top 40 is ‘Love Is the Drug,’ which made Number 30 in 1975, while ‘Street Life’ failed to crack the top 100. For the discography of Bryan Ferry as a solo artist, see best songs 57.

‘Street Life’ was the only single released from ‘Stranded,’ the third studio Album by Roxy Music, from November 1973, the song was written by Bryan Ferry, with the production being by Chris Thomas, (see also best songs 576-285-92 and 27.) Andy Mackay who played the saxophone on ‘Street Life’ has said that the song ‘Has a great lyric, a real swagger, and recalled, ‘That was Bryan’s great period for writing. He was the best lyric-writer in Britain for quite a few years. The phrases were really coming.’ Andy Mackay was born Andrew Mackay on July 23rd, 1946, in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, England. Roxy Music had formed in November 1970, and in January 1971, Mackay became a member of the the group after answering an advertisement placed by Bryan Ferry in the British weekly music magazine ‘Melody Maker.’ Mackay played the oboe and saxophone in Roxy Music, and became known for his Chuck Berry (1926-2017) (see also best songs 548-308 and 30) inspired ‘duckwalk’ during his saxophone solos. His songwriting credits for Roxy Music include ‘Love Is the Drug,’ (1975-UK Number 2 ) and ‘Angel Eyes’ (1979-UK Number 4.) Away from Roxy Music, Andy Mackay has released five Albums between 1974-2018, and composed and produced the music for the hit British television series ‘Rock Follies,’ and ‘Rock Follies of ’77.’ He has also written several themes for British television and radio, including the theme music for the late 1970’s series ‘Armchair Thriller,’ and ‘Hazell.’ Along with Bryan Ferry, Phil Manzanera, and Paul Thompson, he took part in the Roxy Music reunion concerts of 2001, 2003, 2005/6, 2011, and 2022, when Roxy Music celebrated their 50th anniversary.

By 1973 Bryan Ferry had become a prolific songwriter, ‘Stranded’ was Roxy Music’s third studio Album in 18 months, and on top of that Ferry had also just released his first solo Album ‘These Foolish Things.’ ‘Street Life’ is about the pressures success can bring, it is about being hounded by ‘fans’ and the gutter press. In an interview with the ‘NZ Herald’ in 2008, New Zealand fashion designer Denise L’Estrange-Corbet revealed that, while living in London in 1973, she and her school friends would frequently take the bus to Bryan Ferry’s house and call him from the telephone box opposite. The girls would then watch Ferry pick up the receiver before quickly hanging up on him. A few years later, L’Estrange-Corbet got to meet Ferry. ‘I asked him, ‘Did you write that song for me?’ and he said, ‘Yes, I probably did.”

‘Wish everybody would leave me alone, yeah, they’re always calling on my telephone. When I pick it up there’s no one there, so I walk outside just to take the air.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

317-Justin Timberlake-Can’t Stop the Feeling!

2016-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 1.00. You may not be familiar with this songs co-writer Max Martin, but after Paul McCartney, he has written the most American Billboard Number 1 singles.

Justin Randall Timberlake was born on January 31st, 1981, in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, he is one of the worlds best selling artists, with record sales in excess of 117 million. As a child he was a regular in the American television show ‘The All-New Micky Mouse Club,’ where his cast-mates included Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, (see also best songs 373) and future ‘NSYNC’ band-mate JC Chasez. He then went on to be one of the two lead singers, and youngest member in the 1990’s boy band ‘NSYNC,’ where he first worked with this songs co-writer Max Martin. Justin Timberlake has also had an acting career running alongside his music career, and has appeared in 24 films between 2000-2024. The discography of Justin Timberlake includes six studio Albums released between 2002-2024, and 52 singles released within the same time period, there are also three extended plays, (EP’s) two soundtrack Albums, and two official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, as the lead artist, 22 of his singles have reached the top 40, with four of them including ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling!’ making the Number 1 position, he has also had a further eight top 40 hits as a featured artist, with ‘Give It to Me,’ by Timbaland, featuring Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake, making the Number 1 spot in 2007. In the UK, Justin Timberlake has had 18 top 40 hits as the lead artist, with ‘SexyBack,’ (2006) and ‘Mirrors,’ (2013) both reaching Number 1, while as a featured artist he has had a further nine top 40 entries, with ‘Give It to Me,’ by Timbaland, featuring Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake, (2007) and ‘4 Minutes,’ by Madonna featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland, (2008) both making the Number 1 spot.

‘Can’t Stop the Feeling!’ which was co-written and co-produced by Justin Timberlake, Max Martin, and Shellback, was the only single released from the ‘Trolls: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack’ Album, from September 2016. The song was written for the ‘DreamWorks’ Animation film ‘Trolls,’ for which Justin Timberlake was the executive producer of the soundtrack, and also voiced the character ‘Branch’. There are 13 tracks on the soundtrack Album, including a cover version of the classic Earth, Wind & Fire song ‘September,’ (see also best songs 916) which Justin Timberlake sings vocals on. Justin Timberlake has spoken about his inspiration for writing the song, ‘Listening to (producer) Gina Shay, and (directors) Mike Mitchell and Walt Dohrn talk about the movie and how it was really inspired by the ’70’s, I started bringing up the soundtrack from ‘Saturday Night Fever,’ movies, (see also best songs 211-184 and 35) where the soundtrack was released before the movie and got people equally excited, The movie seems like an unabashed pop song to me, so I was like, ‘Let’s just write an unabashed pop song.”

Max Martin (see also best songs 870 and 824) was born Karl Martin Sandberg, on February 26th, 1971, in Stockholm, Sweden, unsurprisingly he credits fellow Stockholm band ‘ABBA’ (see also best songs 44) as a major influence. After failing as a singer to make the big breakthrough in the 1980’s, he was employed as a songwriter, and music producer by the Swedish music producer Denniz PoP (1963-1998) for his record label ‘Cheiron Records,’ it was PoP who gave Max Martin his working name. Max Martin has written or co-written 27 American Billboard Hot 100 Number 1 singles, 25 of which he has produced or co-produced. He has written the second most number 1 singles on that chart, behind only Paul McCartney (see also best songs 646 and 107) with 32, having surpassed John Lennon’s 26, (1940-1980) (see also best songs 927-473-456-168 and 20) with his 27th Number 1 in March 2024 with ‘We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love’) by Ariana Grande.

‘Can’t Stop the Feeling!’ was also co-written by Shellback, who was born Karl Johan Schuster, on February 1st, 1985, in Karlshams, Blekinge, Sweden, on having first being introduced to Max Martin at the age of 16, he has become his regular collaborator. Initially ‘Shellback’ had no interest in ‘Pop Music,’ preferring the genre of ‘Death Metal,’ with the Swedish music magazine ‘Stim-magasinet’ describing Shellback’s taste in music as ‘Too cool for school,’ but Max Martin saw potential in him. Shellback has either written or produced 10 Billboard Number 1 singles to date, including ‘Moves Like Jagger’ the 2011 song from Maroon 5, (see also best songs 373) which is currently the best selling single ever in the UK to have not reached Number 1.

‘Can’t Stop the Feeling!’ was written as a modern day ‘Disco’ song. The narrator tells of the enjoyment he gets while dancing with his partner, whom he obviously finds very attractive. The song was the best selling song of 2016 worldwide, and has to date sold around 3.5 million copies in America. In the UK, although the song only peaked at Number 2, with sales in excess of one million, it is Justin Timberlake’s best selling song.

‘I got this feelin’ inside my bones, it goes electric wavy when I turn it on. All through my city, all through my home, we’re flyin’ up, no ceilin,’ when we in our zone.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

318-Bronski Beat-Smalltown Boy.

1984-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 0.28. In these slightly more enlightened times, this songs message thankfully doesn’t quite resonate the way it did back in 1984, when it was genuinely ground breaking and very brave.

Bronski Beat were formed in Brixton, London, England, in 1983 by Jimmy Somerville, (vocals) Steve Bronski, (1960-2021) (keyboards and percussion) and Larry Steinbachek (1961-2017) (keyboards and percussion.) All three were openly gay, and used their music to promote gay issues, in an era where other Pop Stars were trying to keeping their homosexuality out of the public domain. It was Larry Steinbachek who was an associate of Steve Bronski, who after hearing Jimmy Somerville singing during the making of the 1983 documentary film ‘Framed Youth: The Revenge of the Teenage Perverts,’ alerted Bronski about Somerville’s vocal talents, leading to the three of them joining forces, and signing a recording contract with ‘London Records’ after just nine live gigs. Bronski Beat would remain active between 1983-1995, with Jimmy Somerville leaving after the recording of their debut Album in 1985, and being replaced on vocals by John Foster, who was then replaced by Jonathan Hellyer as vocalist in 1989. In 2016 Steve Bronski revived Bronski Beat as the only original member, reworking their debut studio Album ‘Age of Consent,’ entitled ‘Age of Reason.’ In total there were eight official different member come and go.

The discography of the Bronski Beat includes four studio Albums released between 1984-2017, and 21 singles released between 1984-2018, there are also two remix Albums, eight official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. In the UK, Bronski Beat have had eight top 40 chart entries, including two as the featured artist, with Eartha Kitt (1927-2008) on ‘Cha Cha Heels,’ (1989-Number 32) and with Jimmy Somerville on the remix of ‘Smalltown Boy (1991-Number 32.) As the lead artist three of their singles have all peaked at Number 3, ‘Smalltown Boy,’ (1984) ‘I Feel Love (Medley) with Marc Almond, (1985) and ‘Hit That Perfect Beat’ (1985.) In America on the ‘Billboard Hot 100,’ their only chart entry is ‘Smalltown Boy,’ which stalled at Number 48, although it did make Number 1 on the ‘Billboard Hot Dance Club Play’ chart, being one of their four top 40 entries on that chart.

Steve Bronski was born Steven William Forrest, on February 7th, 1960, in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2018 he had a stroke which limited his mobility. He died from smoke inhalation in a fire at his home in Soho, London, on 7 December 2021, at the age of 61. He was an ‘LGBTQ’ activist, and was openly gay from an early age. Larry Steinbachek was born on May 6th, 1960, in London, England, he died after a short battle with cancer on December 7th, 2016, five years to the day earlier than Steve Bronski, at the age of 56. After leaving Bronski Beat he worked as a composer and theatre director until his death.

Jimmy Somerville was born James William Somerville, on June 22nd, 1961, in Glasgow, Scotland, he is best remembered as the lead singer of the British synth-pop duo ‘The Communards,’ whom he formed with Richard Coles (who had also been a member of Bronski Beat) in 1985. As The Communards they released two studio Albums in 1986, and 1987, and nine singles between 1985-1988. All nine of The Communards singles reached the UK top 40, with their cover version of ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way (see also best songs 725) with Sarah Jane Morris, reaching Number 1, and becoming the best selling single in the UK in 1986. After The Communards, Jimmy Somerville pursued a solo career, and has released nine studio Albums, and 39 singles as a solo artist between 1989-2022. His most successful solo single is his 1989 UK Number 5 cover version of ‘You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real’) (see also best songs 162.)

‘Smalltown Boy’ was the first of four singles released from ‘The Age of Consent,’ which was the debut studio Album from the Bronski Beat, from October 1984, the song was co-written by Steve Bronski, Jimmy Somerville, and Larry Steinbachek, with the production being by Mike Thorne (see also best songs 848.) By 1984 many European countries had reduced the age of consent for homosexual acts to 16, but it remained 21 in the UK, the inner sleeve of the Album contained the different international ages of consent for males to engage in gay sex, and was accompanied by the telephone number of a service giving gay legal advice. The songs memorable promotional video shows the dangers of being gay in the mid 1980’s. Jimmy Somerville, Larry Steinbachek, and Steve Bronski are at a public swimming pool and changing room, where they are attacked and beaten up by a gang of homophobes. Somerville is returned to his family by the police, then later he leaves home alone, and has a reunion with his friends Steinbachek and Bronski, who travel to a new life on a train.

‘Smalltown Boy’ addresses what it was like to be gay in the early 1980’s, telling of homophobia, loneliness, and family misunderstanding. In the song the narrator feels he has to leave his family home as his parents, and the people where he lives will never accept or understand the person he is. He has to move a long way away in order to start a new life.

‘You leave in the morning with everything you own in a little black case, alone on a platform, the wind and the rain on a sad and lonely face.’